Darkness - Luke 22:31, 32

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail." Lk. 22:31, 32

Satan really enters in and takes a significant role in Luke 22. Does he sense that the time of Jesus' death is approaching? Satan enters Judas (v. 3); Satan asks for Peter (v. 31); Jesus warns against temptation (v. 46); Jesus declares that the power of darkness reigns (v. 53). Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that his influence is increasing. Some interesting points: In verse 31 Satan "asks" for Simon - does he have to ask permission? Can he just take? In verse 46 Jesus tells us the ANSWER to temptation (AKA Satan) is PRAYER; and in verse 53 Jesus states that this is the time "when darkness reigns" - is he referring to just that moment, or is it from then until he comes again? Any way you look at it, our enemy is persistent, tricky, persuasive, intelligent and aggressive. Pray without ceasing...

"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity and fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2Tim 1:7

Today's reading: Neh. 1,2; Lk. 22